Hiring Derek Shelton Suggests the Status Quo Isn't Going Anywhere

[Cody Pirkl]

Image courtesy of © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The current Twins regime has had nearly a decade to show us how they prefer to operate, which types of players they value, and how they build their rosters, etc. After missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, massive changes are needed to turn things around. In hiring former bench coach Derek Shelton to replace Rocco Baldelli, it’s hard to have faith that those massive changes are coming.

 

The Minnesota Twins organization has become increasingly comfortable with the status quo in recent years, regardless of results. While spending was cut back, that doesn’t justify the lack of creativity shown during the team’s recent downturn. Despite mixed results and popularity, this team was not afraid of big moves, such as trading Luis Arraez for Pablo Lopez or shipping out then-closer Taylor Rogers the day before Opening Day. In stark contrast, we found ourselves wondering at times why the team was unwilling to shake up its bench in 2025, as multiple players went weeks without a start and position players were rostered solely to pitch mop-up innings.

This is why it was notable when Baldelli was fired despite being extended through 2026 earlier in the season. Though it’s hard to lay a majority of the blame at the manager’s feet, extended failures like the Twins have endured require a shake-up. The idea of a new manager brought hope of a new voice. While they may not fix the problems with development and player performance in this organization, perhaps a manager with a different perspective and style could be part of the solution.

Among the list of candidates made public for the Twins managerial job, Shelton stood out as the most comfortable choice they could have made. A former bench coach for the organization, Shelton is close friends with Baldelli and even received many of the same criticisms as the former Twins’ skipper during his time in Pittsburgh. Shelton has a reputation as a player’s manager who was able to mostly keep the clubhouse under control while the Pirates were uncompetitive both on the field and in the payroll department for five-plus years.

 

 

The fear is that the Twins may have tipped their hand in this hiring. Other candidates, such as Ryan Flaherty and James Rowson, come with plenty of unknowns in how they would operate as first-time managers. What’s known about Shelton is that he will likely manage very similarly to Baldelli and just showed he can soldier through a 5+ year stretch in which an organization did not attempt to spend or compete. Perhaps familiarity with the organization was the main selling point in hiring Shelton. Still, it’s at least worth wondering whether the organization’s plans for the next few years played a part in hiring someone with experience in such uninspiring circumstances.

Change was needed at the end of 2025, but transitioning from Baldelli to Shelton could make one question whether the front office actually believed change was needed, or whether that change was made just for the sake of it. This offseason was always going to be worth watching closely. Not just to observe whether the payroll teardown would continue, but to see whether the remaining leadership is willing to change how they operate and take the risks required to turn this organization around in a hurry. In their first significant move of the offseason, it’s hard not to be disappointed.

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Do you agree? Join the best Twins discussion online and let us know in the comments below. 

 

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[CRF]

Change? I believe there will absolutely be a change...we're gonna get worse than we already were.  

[David Maro]

Instead of bringing fans out this is chasing them away. It will also give players a reason to want out. On a scale of 1-10 this is a 2 at best. We get to see more unwatchable baseball no thank you.

[theBOMisthebomb]

💯 in agreement. I'm sure Shelton is a nice fellow and we know he's a solid baseball soldier. Yes, disappointed is the correct word for this hire because it's more of the same old same old that hasn't worked. Perhaps Shelton will have success, I sure hope so. 

The Twins franchise is quickly cementing their status as a laughingstock to the rest of the league. The Twins get the tired and safe pick of Shelton while the Giants and Nationals go younger with their new managerial choices. 

https://awaybackgone.com/guardians-fans-won-t-be-able-to-stop-laughing-at-twins-managerial-finalists-01k8jxyrd7hx

Guardians fans won't be able to stop laughing at Twins' managerial finalists

Not exactly an intimidating list.

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2025/10/30/nationals-and-twins-going-in-very-different-directions-with-their-managerial-hires/

Nationals and Twins Going in Very Different Directions with Their Managerial Hires

[Whitey333]

Great article.  My sentiments exactly. Its obvious that ownership doesn't care as long as they make a buck or two.  And it quite possible the payroll has been higher than it should have been.  Before the trade sell-off the Twins were 17 out of 30 in payroll.  Usually they led the Central division in spending.  I think Falvey did a terrible job of.budgeting payroll.  That in itself makes me question ownership wisdom in retaining Falvey.  Hiring Shelton clearly sends the message that the status quo is entrenched and getting worse.  I am quite sure the payroll purge will continue this off season.  This team is going to be one of the most boring and bad team in Twins history.  Im not getting used to it.  After 6 decades of following the Twins I have given up on them even trying to compete.  

[mluebker]

“Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. >scream<“

[rv78]

Baldelli was fired because Falvey needed to save his own butt. Hiring Shelton only cements that theory. His excuse was the messenger wasn't doing a good job delivering the message to the players. Performance was poor. It couldn't be the players that Falvey has drafted or traded for. It can't be his plan for how the team plays. The process can't be wrong, he doesn't make mistakes. In Falvey's world, there is nothing wrong with the team or the process. He doesn't need someone new to make changes, he needed someone new to carry on the same old message while he saved himself.

[Old Crow]

Baldelli 2.0 will not cut it!!!

[JD-TWINS]

56 minutes ago, theBOMisthebomb said:

💯 in agreement. I'm sure Shelton is a nice fellow and we know he's a solid baseball soldier. Yes, disappointed is the correct word for this hire because it's more of the same old same old that hasn't worked. Perhaps Shelton will have success, I sure hope so. 

The Twins franchise is quickly cementing their status as a laughingstock to the rest of the league. The Twins get the tired and safe pick of Shelton while the Giants and Nationals go younger with their new managerial choices. 

https://awaybackgone.com/guardians-fans-won-t-be-able-to-stop-laughing-at-twins-managerial-finalists-01k8jxyrd7hx

Guardians fans won't be able to stop laughing at Twins' managerial finalists

Not exactly an intimidating list.

https://www.bleachernation.com/cubs/2025/10/30/nationals-and-twins-going-in-very-different-directions-with-their-managerial-hires/

Nationals and Twins Going in Very Different Directions with Their Managerial Hires

Nobody thought VOGT was some fabulous answer when hired in Cleveland. Nobody replacing Tito was going to be viewed as a step up. Rameriz & a great Bullpen made their season in ‘26. Remember, they were a game behind the Twins (15 out) in mid-July. 

Hiring a bench coach (from Cubs or Yankees) is not some great step in a “win for sure” direction for the Twins.

It’s not an exciting hire but “disappointing” seems to be just more defeatist talk from TD.

Players make the difference. If key guys are traded (pitching) and no helpful FA’s are signed, then I too will punt on ‘26……..Shelton, nor anyone else would win with the Pirates roster over the past 5 years!!

[Jeff K]

The more things stay the same, they stay the same...

[Doctor Gast]

"this team was not afraid of big moves, such as trading Luis Arraez for Pablo Lopez or shipping out then-closer Taylor Rogers the day before Opening Day."

The big moves that turned out well were no-brainers that other FOs initiated, like the Arraez/Lopez trade (you can't have enough pitching) that you can't count on & the bonehead ones, like the Rogers one (counting on Duffy & Pagan for closing duties). Mainly picking up over-priced 1-yr. FAs in positions we don't need & ignoring the positions that need supporting.

Also you can't fault Shelton for pulling SPs, because the whole league is doing that. That's where the league is going to head off the growing epidemic of pitching arm injuries. IMO, Shelton is different than Baldelli but what they share is the same problem & that's Falvey*. Shelton should have free rein to select his staff & manage the team but that's not going to happen. He was limited in PIT by the owners & here he'll be more limited by Falvey.

*Falvey lack of ability to provide needed players by- selecting coaches that can develop players, recognizing player potential, needs & initiate essential trades to fill those needs. Plus his weird analytical philosophies.

 

[Parfigliano]

The rot starts at the top with Falvey and the people that picked him and continue to pay him.

[Blyleven2011]

I agree with all this twins depressing news  ...

That being said , I've veen watching a great world series the past week or so and this is baseball at it's best , 

I know this is twins daily and the writers write about speculation and depressing procedures about twins front office and owners this off season ...

This is a baseball site that likes to talk baseball in a positive way .. 

WHY haven't I seen any writer write an article about a great fall classic and it's players , there are players playing in this world series that I can only dream about being on the twins roster , this world series is going to the seventh game and there has been some classic moments ..

We traded varland and France to Toronto and got back Rodon and a prospect pitcher  , if falvey and company are so savvy they might of screwed up this trade and not asked for Barger or Clements  , only time will tell if falvey settled for second best on the varland Minnesota boy trade  ...

Varland I'm sure is happy pitching in the world series and has been a work horse for Toronto  , Toronto I'm sure is happy to still have multiple years of control of varland   ...

This is baseball 

[Nshore]

Casey Stengel won the World Series 5 years in a row with the Yankees.  Then he came in last 4 years in a row with the expansion Mets.  Give Shelton something to work with.

[tony&rodney]

The final word on the Twins short term (1-4 years) future is entirely tied to whatever moves Falvey completes before the 2026 season. 

Twins fans are stretched to the limit on what has been very bad baseball that is also lacking any entertainment value save for the mid August to season close style which was ok despite the losses.

We have seen this before and attendance can actually fall below 1 million. That would elicit thought for the Pohlad family. They seem so completely separated and lost when it comes to their baseball organization. If the price falls precipitously perhaps an eyebrow gets raised. One can hope.

[AKTwinsFan]

Hopefully the Pohlands will sell after the CBA lockout eventually happening. Then the new owners will give a damn and make some real changes. Scott Servais would have brought some stability, Flaherty and Rowson would have brought some change, we just went to Baldellis mentor and who he modeled his game after. Forever changing lineups and substitutions. 

[theBOMisthebomb]

2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Nobody thought VOGT was some fabulous answer when hired in Cleveland. Nobody replacing Tito was going to be viewed as a step up. Rameriz & a great Bullpen made their season in ‘26. Remember, they were a game behind the Twins (15 out) in mid-July. 

Hiring a bench coach (from Cubs or Yankees) is not some great step in a “win for sure” direction for the Twins.

It’s not an exciting hire but “disappointing” seems to be just more defeatist talk from TD.

Players make the difference. If key guys are traded (pitching) and no helpful FA’s are signed, then I too will punt on ‘26……..Shelton, nor anyone else would win with the Pirates roster over the past 5 years!!

I hope the optimistic take turns out correct. I'm just being realistic.

I never said I punted on 2026. I plan to attend about 20 games at Target Field next season, so a competitive Twins team seems like a nice blessing to experience. 

[Omardog]

Nothing will change until the grifting silver spoon Pohlads sell the team and leave baseball completely.  With the Shelton hire they've announced next season is a scorched earth fight for the bottom with the White Sox.  Shelton is a place holder and Falvey is a tiresome bureaucrat.

[Blyleven2011]

6 hours ago, Old Crow said:

Baldelli 2.0 will not cut it!!!

We'll just have to wait and see , but the gut says I agree with you because falvey is pulling the strings ...

He must really think us fans are stupid , falvey has two titles in the organization  , why doesn't he just add a third title and claim to be the best choice as manager  ...

I hope someone can absolutely embarrass falvey on Tuesday's introduction of Sheldon with the media , that would make my day ...

It's not that we have bad owners , we have a front office too that nobody likes  ... 

[Coach Wheels]

6 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Nobody thought VOGT was some fabulous answer when hired in Cleveland. Nobody replacing Tito was going to be viewed as a step up. Rameriz & a great Bullpen made their season in ‘26. Remember, they were a game behind the Twins (15 out) in mid-July. 

Hiring a bench coach (from Cubs or Yankees) is not some great step in a “win for sure” direction for the Twins.

It’s not an exciting hire but “disappointing” seems to be just more defeatist talk from TD.

Players make the difference. If key guys are traded (pitching) and no helpful FA’s are signed, then I too will punt on ‘26……..Shelton, nor anyone else would win with the Pirates roster over the past 5 years!!

Shelton the right hire for an organization not planning on winning. He wasn't expensive and there is no expectation of  being in the playoffs or chasing a ring. Sadly, this hire makes perfect sense

[JD-TWINS]

2 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

We'll just have to wait and see , but the gut says I agree with you because falvey is pulling the strings ...

He must really think us fans are stupid , falvey has two titles in the organization  , why doesn't he just add a third title and claim to be the best choice as manager  ...

I hope someone can absolutely embarrass falvey on Tuesday's introduction of Sheldon with the media , that would make my day ...

It's not that we have bad owners , we have a front office too that nobody likes  ... 

“It’s not that we have bad owners,” ??? We don’t????

The ownership allowed an extension of Lopez at $21-$22M …… they allowed a 2nd signing of Correa at $35M. Then, the past 2 years they have cut payroll. A bit of a ripple effect relative to how to spend on the other 23 guys on the roster. There’s no cohesive plan from ownership on spending so the FO’s job is nearly impossible.

The salary budget in 2021 was $135M.

Fans here at TD are hoping for $125-$130M in 2026. 5 years later, a lesser total spend, who does that????

I just don’t understand the unbelievable amount of blame that goes to Falvey while the Pohlad’s essentially get a pass. Their actions have stunted what the FO & Club were able to bring to the table in 2023. They pulled the rug out from under the FO and 2 years later the FO gets 90% of the blame.

I don’t think the FO is perfect - don’t love Falvey. His successes & failures with personnel are mixed…….just like every other organization. To me, the ownership backing up on $$ committed to player’s salaries has driven organization to its recent depths. Can’t sign up for $57M going to two guys from a $155M total (‘23) and then keep those 2 guys and reduce spend by $25M!

[Senior Softball Guy]

A positive result will be the culling from TD of a lot of haters. As a baseball fan for over 70 years the best place for a fan to be is: NO EXPECTATIONS!  The '91 Twins were a last place team the year before, strange things happen in baseball. The Blue Jays struck gold with guys like Barger, Schneider and Clement. Their manager is the same guy who lost to the Twins in the playoffs. By Spring I will be tuning in to watch baseball and the haters will be going to the Lynx games. Good-bye haters, true fans will miss you......not.

[nclahammer]

Shelton is not a hire that moved my needle positively-wise.   I'll go to my dozen or so games next year, although not as a season ticket holder for the first time in over twenty years.  The direction the team has been going since beating Toronto in that playoff series is bewildering.

[TheLeviathan]

Is there anyone here at TD that has concluded differently?

[Twinsrtheworst]

Another article about the same subject.  Feed the beast TD.  Meanwhile in real baseball, a great World Series.  Emma is healthy and playing baseball.  But yet TD reports on neither.  I honestly wonder if this sight even knows these aforementioned activities are happening. 

[TopGunn#22]

This was a quintessential move by the current ownership and FO of the Twins.  Go with probably the least inspiring hire to the fan base because it's the most "comfortable" hire for the Pohlad's and Falvey.  The hope of the fan base after secret investors pumped a pile of money into this team was that maybe they would have some input into creating a new philosophy and direction for this franchise.  Because to us in the fanbase, the Twins play a rather boring brand of baseball and they lose a LOT of games.

Before the Vikings brought Fran Tarkenton back, they won a lot of football games, but they won in boring fashion.  They played great defense and were a dependable "3 yards and a cloud of dust" offense.  But they lacked that special player at QB to get them to a Super Bowl.

At least the Vikings were winners.  The Twins, under the current regime are losers, and in an especially boring style.  If the Twins get off to a rough start, they may very well fall short of 1-million fans for attendance.  Derek Shelton represents too much of the "same" approach to inspire any confidence in the "brand" of baseball the Twins will play.  Nothing Shelton accomplished in Pittsburg screamed "HIRE ME" to the rest of the baseball world.  Did Shelton interview ANYWHERE else??  

Whether it would have been Flaherty or even Vasquez, they at least would have offered a different style and some hope for change in the organization.  Say what you will, but the collective "YAWN" on Twins Dailey about the Shelton hire speaks volumes about the fan base in general.